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The Life & Nature of Scotland's Scenic Isles

L2415

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Beautiful view over the rocks towards the lighthouse, Sumburgh Beautiful view over the rocks towards the lighthouse, Sumburgh

28 May 2024

Newcastle

8 nights

Balmoral

The cruise at a glance

The Olsen Way Highlights

We have designed this itinerary to take you on a discovery of natural wonders and wildlife found close to home, yet off the beaten track, amongst remote Scottish isles. You will be joined on board by wildlife charity ORCA, whose team of enthusiasts will help you spot sea birds, whales and dolphins from Balmoral. Discover Orkney’s fascinating history in the well-preserved Viking town of Kirkwall or on a tour to the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, and learn about Shetland’s farming traditions accompanied by a local crofter. Your smaller ship can dock in Lerwick, while scenic diversions are planned to show you sites such as the Small Isles, the volcanic formations of Bac Mòr and the basalt columns of Fingal’s Cave.

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Highlights

Whale Tail as seen from deck

ORCA

As part of our on board Itinerary Insights experiences, join members of the ORCA volunteer team to locate and identify whales, dolphins and other cetacean species. The findings will enable ORCA to collect vital data on marine wildlife and identify areas of the waters around Scotland which are potential wildlife hotspots.

Sheep dog

Crofting Shetland

Visit the Shetland croft, ‘Keolka’, and enjoy an authentic crofting experience with a local crofter and his sheepdogs. Observe a working sheepdog demonstration and learn about their training, and understand more about the life of a crofter throughout the different seasons of the year. You’ll also have the opportunity to discover more about the culture and heritage of the Shetlands.

Guests looking out from deck to Fingal's cave

Fingal’s Cave

Looming metres high from the ocean, Fingal’s Cave has been shaped by nature over 60 million years. Said to be the adjoining piece of road to the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, the distinctive and symmetrical columns of this basalt sea cave give the illusion of a contemporary piece of art. Many native seabirds congregate here, including puffins, razorbills and guillemots.

Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

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Life On Board

Introducing Balmoral

Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate some of Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral retains a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open deck space.

Balmoral
Fred. Olsen ship Balmoral sailing at dawn

Balmoral

Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral offers a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open-deck space.

710 cabins
1,325 guests
551 crew
43,537 GT
16kts max speed
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Our Signature Experiences

To make your experience even more special, our Journey Planners have designed a unique programme of Signature Experiences which will allow you to discover real insights about the culture and nature of the places we are visiting, so you can arrive in each destination fully prepared to get the most out of your visit.

Itinerary Insights

We have carefully curated a programme of events to give you a deeper understanding of each of the destinations you will be visiting

Scenic Discoveries

Our Scenic Discoveries are designed to allow you to enjoy seeing the world from the unique perspective of our ships

The Ship and the Sea

Maritime is in our DNA - our history in shipping goes back almost 200 years

The Sky at Sea

There’s very little in the natural world more beautiful than a clear night sky, sunrise or sunset seen at sea

Treats of the Region

We love to bring a taste of the region's food, drink, local tastes and culinary traditions to life on board

Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

* Prices correct as of 18:00 22/09/2023, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on two people sharing a twin cabin. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

* Prices correct as of 18:00 22/09/2023, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

Cabin Grades

Standard Pricing Solo Pricing
Suite

Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)

Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony

Freedom Fare From £3,099 pp
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Suite

Marquee Suite (MS)

Situated on deck 10, Marquee Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £3,899 pp
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Suite

Owner's Suite (OW)

Exclusive Suite - please call for more details

Freedom Fare From £5,499 pp
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Suite

Premier Suite (PS)

Located on deck 10, Premier Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £4,499 pp
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Suite

Superior Suite (SS)

Located on decks 9 & 10, Superior Suites have a balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £3,199 pp
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What's Included

SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED

As well as our Signature Experiences, there is a host of other treats to enjoy on board our ships.

Treats & Pastimes

In addition to our Signature Experiences, we have a selection of lovely Treats & Pastimes for you to enjoy when on board. Just check your Daily Times each day for full details.

Discover our Treats & Pastimes

Enhance your cruise

Each of our cruises has been carefully designed for you to get the very best out of your time on board; and now you can enhance your cruise to make it even more special.

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